Girl of the year

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Nicole Kidman has been named the NSW Australian of the Year,
putting her in the running for the national Australian of the Year
award.

The the 35-year-old Oscar winner actress did not attend the
awards ceremony at NSW Government House in Sydney last night.

"Nicole Kidman's outstanding achievements in acting see her
representing Australia every day on the international stage,"
Australia Day Council national director Warren Pearson said.

"She is a wonderful ambassador for our country, a great
Australian role model and an excellent choice for NSW Australian of
the Year."

Four other people from NSW received awards.

Richard Gill, from Stanmore in Sydney, was awarded NSW Senior
Australian of the Year for his contribution to musical
education.

The 62-year-old is currently the artistic director for OzOpera,
the Canberra Symphony Orchestra and the Sydney Symphony's education
program.

The state's Young Australian of the Year is 25-year-old film
maker Khoa Do from the Sydney suburb of Yagoona West. He was
nominated for an AFI award in 2001 for his screenplay for the short
film Delivery Day.

Glenn Sargeant, 60, from Sydney's Baulkham Hills, won the Local
Hero - Metropolitan award for establishing a pioneering support
service for young mothers.

The regional category of the Local Hero award went to
71-year-old Aboriginal elder Patricia Davis-Hurst of Taree in
northern NSW.

She was recognised for her tireless work for the reconciliation
process, including founding the Worinai Aboriginal Corporation in
1983.

"All five recipients are truly inspirational Australians who
have made a difference to our country in their field of endeavour,"
Mr Pearson said.

The awards were presented by NSW Governor Professor Marie
Bashir.

The Australian of the Year will be announced by Prime Minister
John Howard in Canberra on January 25.